Garceau: Best And Worst Case Scenarios For New Ravens
One winning season in the last three years doesn't cut it in the 1 Winning Drive neighborhood and 5-11 seasons get coaches and GM's fired. So you go to work and try to fix it. The Ravens tight against the cap have found a way to make three impact moves in this free agent season that started just a week ago.
Historically, Ozzie Newsome usually lets the early run of free agents play out then moves in to exercise his "right player, right price" philosophy. Not this time, not after a 5-11 Cleveland like finish. This off-season it's more like "right player, right now!" Let's take a look at the three veterans the Ravens have added.
Ben Watson, TE
Best Case—He does for the Ravens what he did for the Saints in 2015. Watson had a career year (74-825-6TD). Granted the Ravens won't likely throw it as much as Drew Brees did, but if Watson does 70 percent of what he did last season he'll be a terrific addition. His 6 touchdowns last year tied a career high; he should be a prime red-zone target for Joe Flacco. Watson also adds high character to the locker room and he'll be an excellent example and mentor for young tight ends Maxx Williams and Crockett Gillmore.
Worst Case—Watson starts acting his age. The tight end turns 36 in December and injuries are always a concern for a player in his 13th NFL season.
Eric Weddle, Safety
Best Case--- He gives them what they haven't had since Ed Reed left; a quarterback in the secondary. No, he's not Ed Reed but who is? Eric Weddle is a 3-time Pro Bowl pick who's a student of the game and makes those around him better. Weddle's experience helps him read quarterbacks and receivers and find the football. The Ravens gave up a team record 30 touchdown passes last season and their defense was last in the NFL in interceptions. Eric Weddle was signed to change that.
Worst Case--- Like a pitcher who's thrown 200 innings for 8 or 9 years Weddle has been an iron-man and with that comes a greater chance of injury (unless your name is Ripken). Between 2011 and '14, Weddle played more than 98 percent of the Chargers' defensive snaps and almost half (49 percent) of their special teams snaps. No other player in the NFL played even 75 percent of his team's defensive snaps and 49 percent of the special team's snaps in that span.
Mike Wallace, WR
Best Case—He's the guy we saw making big plays against the Ravens when he was with the Steelers. He blew up in 2010 when he totaled 1,257 receiving yards and averaged a league best 21 yards a catch with 10 touchdowns. He doesn't have to be that guy but an 800-900 yard season with the ability to stretch the field, like Torrey Smith, will give the Ravens offense a nice boost.
Worst Case--- He's the guy we saw last year in Minnesota. Not much of a factor with only 473 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns and 12 yards a catch. He leaves town grumbling the way he came in saying" I need a good quarterback."
